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Ownership Structure and Accounting Method Choice: A Study of European Real Estate Companies

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  • Juha Mäki
  • Antonio Somoza-Lopez
  • Stefan Sundgren

Abstract

Companies can under IAS 40 Investment Properties choose between the fair value and the cost models. The fair value model arguably results in more relevant information but is also more costly to use. Based on studies suggesting that financial reports are a more important medium for communication with investors if ownership is dispersed, we hypothesize that the use of the fair value model is positively associated with ownership dispersion. We study European Real Estate firms and find support for this prediction. We also find a positive association between trade of shares and ownership dispersion, supporting the view that financial statements are less important if ownership concentration is high. Finally, we examine whether the choice depends on the identity of large owners. Companies with a financial company as the largest owner are somewhat more likely to choose the fair value model. Overall, the results indicate that accounting rules facilitating optional accounting policies have benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Juha Mäki & Antonio Somoza-Lopez & Stefan Sundgren, 2016. "Ownership Structure and Accounting Method Choice: A Study of European Real Estate Companies," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acceur:v:13:y:2016:i:1:p:1-19
    DOI: 10.1080/17449480.2016.1154180
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    Cited by:

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    2. Olante, Maria Elena & Lassini, Ugo, 2022. "Investment property: Fair value or cost model? Recent evidence from the application of IAS 40 in Europe," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    3. Dominika Hadro & Karol Marek Klimczak & Marek Pauka, 2017. "Impression Management in Letters to Shareholders: Evidence from Poland," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 305-330, September.
    4. Nemanja Karapavlović & Vladimir Obradović & Jasmina Bogićević, 2020. "The Use Of Historical Cost And Fair Value For Property And Plant And Equipment Measurement – Evidence From The Republic Of Serbia," Economic Annals, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, vol. 65(227), pages 95-118, October –.

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